"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised." Isaiah 63:7

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Most of the Time

I boughtBob Dylan's "Tell Tale Signs" CD a few months ago. It mostly consists of alternate versions of songs already recorded, or songs left out of recordings. This is my favorite alternate version of "Most of the Time". The version that originally came out on the album "Oh, Mercy" in the 1980's had a frantic pace and annoying drum beat that was ubequitious in that era's music. This version is stripped down and slower, probably was considered old-fashioned at the time. Yet, it vindicates the fact that good music well crafted is always current. Creativity is showcased by simplicity.

While I was in high school in the '70's a visiting poet showed us what ingenuity was. He took a classmate's typical poem about a teenage break-up and by stating the opposite of every line, created a different angle and feeling of poignant anguish. Dylan does the same with "Most of the Time", by taking an event common to every human being and giving it a twist. This song addresses what to do to move on when our hearts are still stuck in the past more than we'd like to admit. Doctor Dylan's prescription is denial and a lot of it. And we all know how well that works.

Most Of The Time

Most of the timeI'm clear focused all around,Most of the timeI can keep both feet on the ground,I can follow the path,I can read the signs,Stay right with it,when the road unwinds,I can handle whatever I stumble upon,I don't even notice she's gone,Most of the time.

Most of the timeIt's well understood,Most of the timeI wouldn't change it if I could,I can't make it all match up,I can hold my own,I can deal with the situation right down to the bone,I can survive,I can endureAnd I don't even think about herMost of the time.

Most of the timeMy head is on straight,Most of the timeI'm strong enough not to hate.I don't build up illusion 'till it makes me sick,I ain't afraid of confusion no matter how thickI can smile in the face of mankind.Don't even remember what her lips felt like on mineMost of the time.

Most of the timeShe ain't even in my mind,I wouldn't know her if I saw herShe's that far behind.Most of the timeI can't even be sureIf she was ever with meOr if I was with her.Most of the timeI'm halfway content,Most of the timeI know exactly where I went,I don't cheat on myself,I don't run and hide,Hide from the feelings, that are buried inside,I don't compromised and I don't pretend,I don't even care if I ever see her againMost of the time.